Choosing the Right Lemon Tree - Eureka vs Meyer vs Lisbon

Lemon trees are a staple in many Australian gardens - not only do they produce zesty fruit nearly year-round, but they’re also beautiful, fragrant and surprisingly easy to grow in our climate. At True Blue Garden Centre, we stock a selection of popular varieties, but three stand out as customer favourites: Eureka, Meyer, and Lisbon lemons.

While they may look similar, each of these lemon trees has unique characteristics that suit

Backyard Lemons

different gardens, climates, and tastes.

So, how do you choose? Let’s break it down.

🍋 Eureka Lemon - The Year-Round Producer

If you’re after a classic lemon tree that just keeps on giving, Eureka is hard to beat.

What makes it special? It fruits almost all year - especially in warmer climates - so you’ll almost always have lemons on hand. The tree grows upright and doesn’t have many thorns, which makes pruning and harvesting easier.

What does the fruit taste like? Sharp, tangy and full of juice - just what you expect from a lemon.

Is it for me? If you live near the coast or in a warm area and want reliable, juicy lemons most of the year, Eureka is a great pick. It’s a bit big for a balcony, but perfect in a sunny backyard.

🍊 Meyer Lemon - The Sweet, Small-Space Favourite

Meyer lemons are a favourite for a reason - especially for people in cooler climates or anyone gardening in a small space.

What’s different about them? They’re actually a cross between a lemon and a mandarin or orange, which gives them a sweeter, more mellow flavour. The trees are compact, usually thornless, and very happy in a pot.

What does the fruit taste like? Still lemony, but smoother and slightly sweet - great for desserts, salad dressings, or lemon water.

Is it for me? If you're growing in a container, have a courtyard or balcony, or just prefer a milder flavour, the Meyer lemon could be your new best friend. Bonus: it handles the cold better than other lemons.

🍋 Lisbon Lemon - The Hardy Winter Workhorse

Lisbon lemons are a bit of a powerhouse. They’re tough, reliable and produce heaps of fruit - especially in winter.

What sets it apart? The Lisbon is a vigorous grower with a dense canopy. It has more thorns than the others, but it also handles both heat and cold like a champ. Its fruit is very similar to Eureka - thick-skinned, tangy, and juicy.

When does it fruit? Mainly in winter, which is super handy when most other trees are taking a break.

Is it for me? If you’ve got a larger space and want a lemon tree that can cope with frost or hotter inland conditions, Lisbon is a great option. It’s also perfect for those who do a lot of preserving or winter cooking.

🧤 So… Which Lemon Should I Plant?

Here’s the quick version:

• Want lemons year-round? Go Eureka.

• Growing in a pot or cooler area? Try Meyer.

• Need something tough and high-yielding for a bigger garden? Lisbon’s your tree.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, homegrown fruit and a tree that brings year-round beauty to your garden.

Choosing the Right Lemon Tree for Your Garden

When selecting the best lemon for your space, consider your climate, available space, and how you plan to use the fruit. Whether you're growing in a pot on a balcony or planting a full-size tree in your backyard, there's a lemon variety at True Blue Garden Centre to suit your needs.

🍋 Summary Table: Eureka vs Meyer vs Lisbon

Feature / Variety	Eureka Lemon	Meyer Lemon	Lisbon Lemon
Tree Size	Medium to tall, upright	Compact, bushy	Tall, vigorous, dense
Thorns	Few	Nearly thornless	Thorny
Fruit Season	Almost year-round	Main crop winter, sporadic year-round	Mainly winter
Fruit Characteristics	Classic lemon, thick skin, tangy	Thin skin, sweeter, orangey hue	Thick skin, juicy, strong lemon flavour
Cold Tolerance	Moderate	Excellent	Good
Heat Tolerance	High	Moderate	Excellent
Best For	Year-round lemons in warm climates	Pots, cooler areas, sweeter taste	Large gardens, cold or inland climates
Juice Content	High	Very high	High
Ideal Use	Juicing, cooking, year-round picking	Desserts, drinks, mild citrus lovers	Reliable winter supply, preserving

🌿 Visit True Blue Garden Centre today and explore our range of healthy, grafted citrus trees - including Eureka, Meyer, and Lisbon lemons. Whether you’re a seasoned citrus grower or a first-time fruit lover, our team is here to help you pick the perfect lemon for your patch!

🌱 Happy gardening!